Acai, kimchi, black garlic and yuzu juice: countries are vying to conquer global plates, and palates, with their homegrown specialities at the International Food Fair which opened in Paris on Sunday.
From Brazil to South Korea, 105 countries boasting 400,000 products were present at the fair, which offers a window into the future of food, from traditional know-how that could make its way onto modern plates, to high-tech inventions.
And after a few lethargic years due to the economic crisis in Europe, innovation is back on the table with 1,700 new concepts served up at this year's edition of the food show.
"The market is going to explode with nine billion humans to feed in the next 30, 40 years. You need to position yourself now," said Nicolas Trentesaux, president of the exhibition.
"Especially with the explosion of the middle class in Asia and even Africa who all want access to diversity in their food."
The food fair, celebrating its 50th edition, has grown ten percent in two years, both in size and number of exhibitors, he said.
"The companies here want to export to the whole world," said Trentesaux.
South Korea, present for the second time, has brought 28 companies keen to make themselves known.
"Compared to Japan or China our products are still largely unknown," said Kim Young Bum, director of the Korea Agro-Fisheries Trade Organisation.
On display are large clay pots showing the process used to ferment vegetables and make kimchi, a staple of the Korean diet, as well as novel dishes such as algae chips, algae marmalade and smoked oysters.
While already well-known for dishes such as sushi, miso soup and ramen, Japan believes it still has something new to offer global palates.
Black garlic -- a Kyoto speciality in which the herb is caramelised -- buckwheat noodles, leek oil and organic juice from the citrus fruit yuzu are all on show.
"We aren't here necessarily to sign contracts but above all to make ourselves known," said Yuzuke Kuzuhara, director of food processing for Japan External Trade Organisation.
Brazil, already a massive exporter of coffee, sugar, soya, beef, chicken and fruit juice, hopes to reap some one billion dollars in new contracts at the food show.
"The European Union is a very important market," said Rafael Prodo of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency.
Aside from raw products, Brazil also hopes to promote much-loved specialities such as Acai berries -- the fruit of a palm tree grown in the Amazon -- delicious when juiced and considered a "superfood" for their antioxidant qualities.
'Frugality and DIY'
Xavier Terlet, a specialist in food innovation working for the food show, said the industry had to adapt to new demands from consumers.
On one hand, consumers are becoming more sensitive to food waste.
"The industry has yet to understand this behaviour, it continues to promote family formats, overpackaging rather than smaller doses, like a 100 gram (3.75 ounces) packet of flour to make one cake," he said.
There is also a return to a culture of "do-it-yourself" amongst some cooks, whether for pleasure or to save money.
Companies "are targeting the production of foods with a kit to produce your own beer at home, or to grow mushrooms in coffee dregs."
The food show is on until Thursday.
AFP
Mon Oct 20 2014
Appetizers of peppers stuffed with goat cheese are displayed at the International Food Fair in Paris. - AFP PHOTO MARTIN BUREAU
Israel pounds Beirut and Gaza after rockets hit Israel's north
A drone was launched at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's holiday home.
Elon Musk promises to award $1 mil each day to a signer of his petition
He awarded a $1 million check to an attendee of his event in Pennsylvania aimed at rallying supporters behind Donald Trump.
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Zayn Malik postpones US tour dates after One Direction bandmate Liam Payne's death
Payne, 31, died on Wednesday after falling from a third-floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, shocking fans of the boy band.
Why voters in a handful of swing states will decide the US presidential election
The contest will almost certainly be decided by just tens of thousands of voters a tiny fraction of the populace in a handful of states.
INSIGHT - Sudan's war risks 'lost generation' of children
A devastating crisis is unfolding in Sudan, where the most vulnerable members of society children are bearing the brunt of the violence.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.